He Sees You When You're Sleeping - Day 7

Good Clean Fun - Day 6

When Carson woke to find his bathroom mirror covered in toothpaste messages, he didn't even crack a smile. He was visibly bothered by it. Later I coaxed it out... he said, Cocoa wrote, "Evil Rocks!" He was comforted to learn that it actually said, "ELVES ROCK!"

Maybe Santa will bring us some new toothpaste. 

We're out!

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe - Day 5

The Polar Express - Day 4

The Kindness Manger - Day 3

 Since Cocoa warned us that our home was lacking Christmas Spirit, we started our "Kindness Manger" for family night. We drew names and started performing secret acts of kindness--always leaving a straw to be placed in the manger to soften Baby Jesus's bed. The first night of the Kindness Manger is always the best... our kids were scampering around everywhere performing little acts of love for each other. Here are just a few:

Dad's toothbrush prepped and ready along with a piece of chocolate!

A message on the fridge.

Ky's things for school all set out and ready... along with a piece of chocolate!

The next morning, we awoke to a fun letter from Cocoa!

The Children Were Nestled All Snug in Their Beds - Day 2

Cocoa's tip on spreading Christmas cheer:

Don't FORK-get to be KNIFE to everyone!

He's Back - Day 1

We pause these mid-summer catch-up blog posts to bring you some breaking news:

COCOA, THE ELF, IS BACK!

Phew! We were a little worried that he wouldn't find our new house, but we should have known better... Santa knows all! It's amazing how attached our family got to this little man in 25 days last December. His homecoming felt like the return of a long, lost, friend. On December 1st, we woke to find an official letter from the North Pole--though Cocoa was no where in sight. It seems that Cocoa has been keeping tabs on us throughout the year. . .

It was all smiles and giggles reading Cocoa's letter! But apparently, our home is lacking Christmas Spirit. Cocoa challenged us to find it together!

Cocoa brought us some chocolate he picked up in Switzerland.

 (Too bad it was fast Sunday!)

Can you spot Cocoa?

 Later that morning, I found Ashton sitting alone in the living room whispering to Cocoa. He told him all the things he wanted for Christmas... He knows the key to getting in with Santa!